Author Archives: Rebecca Beatrice Brooks

About Rebecca Beatrice Brooks

Rebecca Beatrice Brooks is the author and publisher of the History of Massachusetts Blog. Rebecca is a journalist and history writer who got her start in journalism working for small-town newspapers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire after she graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in journalism. She is a member of the American Historical Association, Historic Salem Inc, the Danvers Historical Society, the Salisbury Historical Society and she volunteers for the National Archives and the Massachusetts Historical Society transcribing historical documents. Visit this site's About page to find out more about Rebecca.

History of Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is a small island off the coast of Cape Cod that is home to six small towns: Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, West Tisbury and Aquinnah. The following… Read more »

Map of New England by Captain John Smith circa 1616

How Did Cape Cod Get Its Name?

Have you ever wondered where the name Cape Cod came from? The answer is Cape Cod was named after the abundant supply of cod fish found in the waters of… Read more »

The Afflicted Girls of Salem Village

The Witchcraft Trial of Esther Elwell

Esther Elwell was a woman from Gloucester, Massachusetts who was accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. Born around 1639, Esther Elwell was the daughter of Grace… Read more »

History of Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket is an island and historic town in Massachusetts. Located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Nantucket has a rich maritime history. The following is a timeline of… Read more »

History of Boxford, Massachusetts

Boxford is a historic town in Massachusetts. It was settled by Massachusetts Bay colonists in the 17th century. The following is a timeline of the history of Boxford: 1645: 1652:… Read more »